Marilyn S.

100% Satisfaction Guarantee

We know that starting lessons is a big step and we want you to feel confident
booking with us. If you are not completely satisfied,
we'll help you find a new teacher or you can receive a refund for any unused lessons
within the first year from the date of purchase.

100% Satisfaction Guarantee

100% Satisfaction Guarantee

We know that starting lessons is a big step and we want you to feel confident
booking with us. If you are not completely satisfied,
we'll help you find a new teacher or you can receive a refund for any unused lessons
within the first year from the date of purchase.

Marilyn teaches

Marilyn passed a background check that includes a SSN verification,
national criminal record check, and sex offender registry search.
Learn More

Marilyn delivers an exceptional lesson experience and ranks in the top
15% of our teachers nationwide.

Teaches students:

Females 6+ and males 7+

Teaching since:

August 1985

Music Job History:
My music teaching/playing background includes: private piano instructor at home studio, elementary music teacher in Lewisville ISD and Odessa Public Schools, piano accompanist for middle school/high school band Solo Contests, and former church accompanist for Methodist churches. I accompany both Lakeview and Griffin choirs throughout the school year.
Was Elementary Principal at Owen Elementary, The Colony, Lewisville ISD
Personal Information:
Have 3 children, now ages 26, 27, and 29
Love gardening, reading, playing piano, ringing handbells.

I believe performing is an important part of music learning, so I schedule at least 2 recitals each year. Some of my adults prefer not to perform and that is okay too. I am a member of Carrollton Music Teachers Association and through this association are festival opportunities 4 times a year for those students who are ready to play for a judge!. The more you perform, the easier it gets!

*** Lesson Details ***
I believe that most people would say that they wish they could play the piano. Taking piano lessons keeps you practicing and working on improving your skills. I can always help a student to play better in some aspect of their playing. I break down skills into as small a step as needed so the student can understand what needs to be done. Reading music is similar to reading words, so sometimes the problem is not with the fingers being able to play, but what the student is seeing. I can take whatever series you are currently playing out of and move forward with you from that series.
Rhythm can often be a problem when playing and that usually is just a matter of getting that rhythm into your vocabulary and really hearing how it goes.
Fingering is another area that can be the reason that a passage is not working for you and I can help you figure those areas out. I always try to correct and help you improve by using humor and positive reinforcement. I have several books that work on technique in fun, short exercises that will apply to any songs or literature that you are working on.
We will spend some of every lesson sight reading (looking at music that you will practice at home). Improving your ability to read music at sight will make your piano playing more enjoyable for you.

As with any lessons, the more you practice, the more progress and fun you will have! Every student needs a spiral notebook that we will use to keep track of your lessons. I have found it best if I buy the books you need and then you pay me for the books - that keeps you from having to search at a music store for the correct books and I make sure you have the correct book/levels. If you prefer to find the books yourself, that will be fine also. I am flexible and want your piano playing years to be lifelong for you.

*** Specialties ***
*Teachers
marked as a Student Favorite have taught a minimum of 25 lessons and
have received the highest feedback rating from students.
Piano, Handbells, Music Theory, Sight reading
I can teach from any series, have tended to specialize more with beginning and intermediate students. I have taught from almost every series over the years.
Right now I have students in Faber & Faber, Bastien, John Thompson, Schaum, David Carr Glover, Hal Leonard, FJH, Dozen a Day, and Alfred series.
I think that breaking skills down into small steps works well for mastery and understanding. I like to expand my students' appreciation of different types of music, from classical to pop, looking for music that is at the student's playing level.

Texas Teachers All Level Certifications K-12 Music Lifetime

Carrollton Music Teachers Association

Sep 2011

The Carrollton Music Teachers Association is a professional group of energetic music teachers who are dedicated to providing a variety of events for our students, and stimulating growth among our members. Founded in 1985, we are affiliated with Music Teachers National Association and Texas Music Teachers Association.

Music Teachers National Association

Aug 2011

The MTNA was founded in 1876 with the goal of advancing the value of music study and music-making to society while supporting the careers and professionalism of teachers of music. With nearly 22,000 members in 50 states—and more than 500 local affiliates—the MTNA is the preeminent source for music teacher support, where members embody like-minded values and commitment to their students, colleagues and society as a whole, while reaping the rewards of collaboration, continuity and connection throughout the lifetime of their careers.

Based on what I saw today, it's clear my son will be playing incredible pieces of music before he leaves elementary school.

Jennifer H.
Jun 26, 2015

Piano·In studio

Marilyn is great! Very hands on and very informative!

AmandaS
Jul 2, 2011

·

Merilyn is fantastic!

I am an adult student of Marilyn's and played the piano for 10 years growing up. I came to Marilyn wanting to start playing again after not playing at all for 7 years. My experience has been wonderful and I am surprised at how quickly I'm picking it up again. This is mostly due to Marilyn's positive feedback and constructive instruction. She is laid back and easy to work with and my experience playing as an adult is much more enjoyable than when I was younger.

My daughter is enjoying her piano lessons with Marilyn. She has a great way of teaching kids that suit their level.

SumaiyaA
Feb 27, 2010

·

Ms. Marilyn is an excellent teacher. My daughter, Sabeen LOVES to go to her class and she's learning so much. Marilyn is very loving and can relate to children very well. I'm so happy I found her for my daughter.

LenaB
Oct 18, 2008

·

miss

Marilyn is a professional piano teacher. She is very helpful during my piano lesson with her. for the last few weeks that I have taking piano lesson with her I have learned so much already. She is very knowledgeable piano teacher. Thank You so much

Marilyn is very patient with my 5 and 7 year olds. She is easy to understand, gives simple instructions, and breaks the lesson into smaller parts as needed. I'm learning a lot too by just watching and listening to her teach my kids!